Syrian Violence Rages

Syrian government forces are said to be bombarding the city of Homs. They are ignoring calls from the International Committee of Red Cross for a two-hour daily truce to facilitate delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians trapped by the unremitting violence. At least 12 people had been killed on Tuesday as troops loyal to President Bashar al-Assad advanced on Bab Amro. The casualty figures could not be independently verified as foreign media faces stiff restrictions within Syria. Activists said the government had been bolstering its forces outside Homs. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said heavy shelling for two hours early on Tuesday gave way to more sporadic attacks. Activists also said troops had opened fire overnight to disperse a demonstration in the capital Damascus.